Last Saturday’s Whakatāne Cycling Club race was held on a shortened 33-kilomtre version of the Braemar circuit, a route whose rolling terrain and nearly 400 metres of climbing offer little shelter for tired legs.

A light westerly wind and a bracing temperature under a weak autumn sun made for ideal racing conditions, though the riders knew the hills would have the final say.

Race organiser Dave Wright added an extra sting by modelling the finish on the final stage of the Vuelta Femenina: a steep 1.5km climb up Withy Road, rising 90m at an average of 6 percent.

Sixteen riders took the start, broken into four handicap groups set off at 15, six- and four- minutes ahead of the three-rider scratch group.

The four-minute trio of Antoine Collombet, Tania Jones, Chris Mexted and first-time rider Mark Mexted made the first catch at 18km, sweeping up the six-minute group just

before the first of the day’s three steep climbs.

On the climb Jason Boonen and Malcolm Harison dug deep to cling onto the wheels of the faster group.

By the turn around, with 12km remaining, the 15-minute group still held a three minute advantage over Antoine Collombet, Jones, and now Boonen and Harison.

A minute further back, Wright, Mark Mexted, Chris Mexted and Albie Hulse were working steadily, with the two remaining scratch riders – Jacques Collombet and Donovan Jackson – closing fast behind them.

Hills have a way of rearranging everything, and Braemar’s climbs did exactly that.

By the top of the return leg hill, the Jones group of four had ridden into the lead, a couple of minutes ahead of the Wright group, which had swelled in size as some riders opted to turn early, and the 15-minute group which had broken apart.

On the descent, however, Jacques Collombet and Jackson sped past and set off in pursuit of the four leaders.

For a time, scratch had the leaders in sight. They eased briefly to gather enough strength for a decisive move – the kind that prevents anyone from clinging onto their wheels.

Unfortunately, their timing coincided with the turn onto Withy Road.

Focused on speed rather than signage, scratch missed the turn completely and ended up finishing the race four minutes behind Antoine Collombet, Jones, Harison and Boonen, who crossed the finish line in that order.

The remaining riders arrived in ones and twos, exhausted by the final climb.

Ethan and Dylan Jackson produced strong rides, staying with groups for much of the race.

Chris Mexted again impressed, while brother Mark faced a baptism of fire in his first club race on one of the most challenging parcours on the calendar.

The downhill roll back to the cars was a welcome relief for everyone.

Tomorrow’s race is on the longer 36km Tahuna Road circuit, with less total climbing but several short kickers to keep riders honest.

The race starts at 1pm from the corner of MacDonald and Paul roads, Awakeri.

Full details are available at www.whakatanecycleclub.org